Seaports

All seacraft entering New Zealand must arrive at an approved place of first arrival (PoFA). Find out the procedures you must follow if you're bringing your seacraft from an overseas country to New Zealand.

Biosecurity and Customs requirements

All care has been taken to ensure information about these biosecurity arrangements is complete. International aircraft operators should be aware that, as well as complying with MPI's biosecurity requirements, they will also have to meet requirements of other border agencies like the New Zealand Customs Service (Customs).

Choosing a place of first arrival

Most PoFA are approved only for certain types of vessels and certain types of cargo.

If you are a seacraft operator, you need to make sure your planned PoFA can manage your requirements.

Your choice of PoFA will depend on the type of vessel, the cargo being carried, and the number of passengers on board. It will depend whether you are bringing, for example, imported animals or pets, cargo such as bulk foods, or passengers and their luggage.

Arriving at a place of first arrival

On arrival at a PoFA, a biosecurity inspector will inspect and clear your craft and passengers into New Zealand. As the person in charge of the seacraft, you must have the correct and complete documentation.

If your seacraft is cleared for entry, it is usually then free to travel to other ports in the country. If it needs further inspection or is under surveillance, then it can only travel where MPI allows it to.

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